The Devinci Atlas uses the Dave Weagle Split Pivot suspension system and many reviews rave about how incredible it is. The chainstay length is 16.9" (just about the shortest there is on 29ers). It will be interesting to see what Salsa does with it on their bikes.

I am torn on this move by Salsa. One of the reasons that I bought the Spearfish was the Flexing Rear Triangle. It was simple and functional. I hope this offers a HUGE improvement as I am sure it will come with some sort of a cost premium.

I'm not against this move at all, with the exception of the price changes with the bikes. Four models of the '14 Spearfish and the cheapest went up by several hundred according to the e-mail I got from Salsa. Granted, there was a bump in spec compared to the 2013 SF 3 model. As a prospective buyer of an entry-level FS closer to the 2k mark, this bike has probably moved out of my price range.

I don't like the change, it costs more, is more to maintain, unnecessary complicated and it costs more. The original Horsethief was around $2,700 and now the cheapest is $3,200. It used to be a bargain, but compared to the new Trek Fuel EX 29ers, Giant Trance 29er and some Special Ed something else 29ers it's no longer a great value. Sorry Salsa you're losing me on this move.

2014 Salsa Split Pivot

Love the ano orange. And the fact that they have 142x12 rear across the line. Also liking the Fox rear shocks. I agree with those who would prefer a threaded BB, although BB92 sounds better to me than the PF30 of previous models.

2014 Salsa Split Pivot

After less than stellar experience with a Mamasita and Spearfish - I swore I'd never buy another Salsa. If this update has short chainstays (and some other needed improvements) I may just eat my words.

No geometry changes announced, but alluded to in the details. Guessing the chainstays are going to be shorter b/c the email specs stated max 2x10 gearing as 38t (down from 39t OEM in 12/13). Also noticed that they're specing the forks with 51mm offset vs the "standard" 44-46mm currently

Hmmm, torn on this one !
What drew me to the Horsethief in the first place was that whole KISSaura(KeepItSimpleStupid) it had ; no rear pivot , threaded BB,straight tubes(Ok not all of them).
Im sure this splitpivot thing rides great , but would I notice it in a big way compared to the 2012 Horsethief Ive been on for the last 14-15month ?
But since you are gonna change it can you a least:
Keep the threaded BB,
Shorten the chainstays a little(plenty room for that at the BB area), Increase the mud clearance a little at the seatstay brace and
Go for a removable front mechclamp(more and more 1x drivetrains in the future !)

I love my Spearfish and I got it because it was really high in the price to performance ratio. It was about the highest performance full suspension 29r for the price. I will be really interested to see what this does to the cost of frames.

Re: 2014 Salsa Split Pivot

Hell, I hope to just have my '13 spearfish 1 frame built up and ridable before you guys start giving ride reviews on the '14's.

Also, with the Turner Czar being released 2 weeks after I decided to buy the SF, I would probably go that route if the 2014 SF frame set is more than $1700 or so, as I'm retiring my old flux and can trade it in for $600 off a new Turner.

Looking at the stats from the Bike Radar article----6lbs (with rear axle added in?) for the Spearfish is a bit on the heavy side for a xc race bike, on the other hand, if you look at the list carefully, the XX1 specked Spearfish bike has just about the EXACT same components as the new Turner Czar Pro build and the price difference is $5499 vs $7033 (for the XX1 bike Czar, not the XTR). The weight of the frame on the carbon Turner Czar is 5.2lbs. That's a nice chunk of change saved for 0.8lbs. It will be interesting to see more of the reviews as they come in. It looks like they have a winner here.

I agree, I'm not anxious to make the switch from the orig sf1. After looking at the dirt rag article there a few things I don't care for. The frame gained 1lb, has a longer wheelbase, the geo is now similiar to a trek Superfly (slack ha and 51mm offset fork) not necessarily bad but not typical Salsa, and the new cable routing looks messy (internal routing would have been much cleaner IMO). None of those are a real deal killer but add in changing the fork and needing an adapter for the crank makes it a tough pill to swallow for those upgrading frames. I like the choice of colored ano'd frames over the paint and the bb area looks like it was beefed up quite a bit. I'm sure it's an overall improvement but when I bought the Spearfish,I was looking for a Dos Niner replacement (a simple short travel,firm suspension). All of this is to say, I hope this means the Dos Niner sabitical is nearing an end.

The old Salsa's had a few issues but were a great value proposition. These new ones are heavier (old Spearfish frame was DARN LIGHT) and more expensive. If they had retained the old price points these two bikes would be pretty dang interesting, but for the money a person is going to be a lot better off with any of a number of others already on the market...

2014 Salsa Split Pivot

Originally Posted by evilsjg

*yawn*

The old Salsa's had a few issues but were a great value proposition. These new ones are heavier (old Spearfish frame was DARN LIGHT) and more expensive. If they had retained the old price points these two bikes would be pretty dang interesting, but for the money a person is going to be a lot better off with any of a number of others already on the market...

I see your point, but I'd rather spend a little more to not have regret, but the competitors are a lot more (at least $300) and are not as likely to be on clearness - speaking about frame only. Agreeing again I think the price is pure marketing as we all know Salsas as budget Taiwan frames - the real cost plus markup probably results in $1000 price.

I see your point, but I'd rather spend a little more to not have regret, but the competitors are a lot more (at least $300) and are not as likely to be on clearness - speaking about frame only. Agreeing again I think the price is pure marketing as we all know Salsas as budget Taiwan frames - the real cost plus markup probably results in $1000 price.

Compare to the Trek Superfly 100 Elite (Alloy model). The Trek is (I would argue) slightly better (although very, very similar) spec. and cheaper. I know which one I would choose...

The old Salsa's had a few issues but were a great value proposition. These new ones are heavier (old Spearfish frame was DARN LIGHT) and more expensive. If they had retained the old price points these two bikes would be pretty dang interesting, but for the money a person is going to be a lot better off with any of a number of others already on the market...

It's $4600 for a X01 120mm travel bike, the similar Tallboy is $5200, similar 429 is $5300.

The new Spearfish/Horsethief look l winners. Definitely a some major improvements and a lot to be excited about. I think Salsa must spend a lot of time in these forums because even the first version of the Spearfish (which I own) has a lot of features that as I rider I looked for. The New version looks like a step up. Here's what I like:

-Shorter chainstay - The current version is just shy of 18" makes it a ***** to lift the front wheel
-51mm offest fork - Better handling?
-Split Pivot - Not that the current suspension sucks I don't mind it, but at higher speeds it does tend to skip and hop rather than bob.
-Better cable routing - Honestly the old cable routing sucked.

I'm mixed feelings on
-BB92 - Can't run BB30.. not the end of the world but if I wanted a stiffer crankset it kinda hurts.
-142mm rear - Again not a bad choice, just going to cost a little extra coin to get my rear hubs upgraded.

The only thing I don't like is the offset fork. I don't like Fox and I never buy complete bikes. I hate having my choices narrowed to over priced forks. Other then that I like the new bikes. I wonder how long the flexing stays will last on my bike.

The only thing I don't like is the offset fork. I don't like Fox and I never buy complete bikes. I hate having my choices narrowed to over priced forks. Other then that I like the new bikes. I wonder how long the flexing stays will last on my bike.

I plan on using a "standard" offset fork and expect no issues. Time will tell.

2014 Salsa Split Pivot

Originally Posted by pulser

The only thing I don't like is the offset fork. I don't like Fox and I never buy complete bikes. I hate having my choices narrowed to over priced forks. Other then that I like the new bikes. I wonder how long the flexing stays will last on my bike.

The WB loop has a 49mm offset in the tapered steerer model. Pretty darn close to the recommended 51mm offset.

I'll be sticking with my 11' SF for a bit here. I will wait till my frame either brakes or gets really beat up before jumping into a new full sus frame. I like those new Salsa colors though.. However, about 2 years ago, I really liked the color of my SF when I first layed eyes on it too. It's been a great bike to me and I am sure it will be for days to come.

these look pretty nice and while i wont be replacein my current sf anytime soon as its the best bike ive ridden in a really long time i may look into the horsethief.my last ht never really grew on me but my sf was love at first ride and the love affair continues mile after mile